As temperatures soar in summer, the maximum road surface temperature can exceed 60°C. Abnormal tire pressure, aging tires and overloading can easily lead to tire blowouts on highways, posing a major safety hazard for summer driving. Here are professional tire maintenance tips to share:
Tire Pressure Standard: Do NOT deflate tires to reduce pressure! Set the cold tire pressure in summer to the standard value marked on the vehicle's B-pillar. A natural pressure rise of 0.2-0.3 bar during high-temperature driving is normal; low pressure will aggravate deformation and heat generation on tire sidewalls.
Daily Inspection: Check the tread depth every week (tires must be replaced if the depth is less than 1.6mm), remove stones trapped in tread grooves, and inspect tire sidewalls for bulges and cracks.
Load and Speed: Fully loaded trucks and SUVs should avoid continuous high-speed driving for long periods. Stop to cool down the tires every 2 hours.
Tire Selection: Drivers who frequently take highways can opt for low-rolling-resistance heat-dissipating tires. Self-repair puncture-resistant tires can be fitted on older vehicles to reduce the risks of air leakage and blowouts.
Vehicle owners are also reminded that tires enter the aging cycle after 5 years of use. Regardless of tread depth, regular replacement is recommended. A comprehensive tire inspection at a service shop is mandatory before highway trips.
